2019 – Prince Lot Hula Festival Announcement

I Mua E Nā Pōki’i, Move Forward, O Youth, is the theme of the 42nd Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival, which will take place at historic Iolani Palace in 2019 on Saturday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, July 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., announced Moanalua Gardens Foundation (MGF), the festival’s presenter. The largest non-competitive hula celebration in Hawai‘i, the festival honors Prince Lot Kapuāiwa, who helped reprise hula and reigned as Kamehameha V from 1863 to 1872.

“I Mua E Nā Pōki’i, Move Forward, O Youth represents the passing of our hula traditions to the next generation of keepers of our culture,” said Alika Jamile, MGF Executive Director and President. “They are our bridge from the past to the future.”

The festival returns for the third year to Iolani Palace to celebrate two days of hula where Hawaii’s ali’i, including Prince Lot, lived and ruled.

Founded in 1978 by MGF as a gift to the community, the festival now attracts thousands of residents and visitors each year. Opening ceremonies on Saturday will include the Royal Order of Kamehameha, presentation of MGF’s Malia Kau Award to renown Kumu Hula Iris Naleialoha Napaepae-Kunewa of Hawai’i Island, followed by an impressive line-up of premier hālau hula (hula groups) who will perform both kāhiko (ancient) and ‘auana (contemporary) hula.

On Sunday, MGF will honor respected chanter Kamuela Chun from Hilo with its Namakahelu Oli Award as part of the opening program. The event will also feature a Hawaiian-themed craft fair, cultural demonstrations, and more.

Local food and refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the day. Limited edition tee shirts and souvenir kōkua buttons will be on sale. Proceeds from these merchandise sales will help cover the costs of the festival.

The public, and visitors, are welcome and encouraged to bring their beach chairs and mats and enjoy the fun, food and festivities in the magnificent setting of Iolani Palace. No commercial photography is allowed.

Participating hālau and a festival performance schedule will be announced at a later date. For more information, please call 808.839.5334.

MOANALUA CURRICULUM WORKSHOPS! The Aloha ʻĀina Moanalua curriculum is now available for schools wanting to explore the Moanalua ahupuaʻa. The grade 4 unit includes a Moanalua ahupuaʻa map, old photographs of the area, and lesson[...]